American Cancer Society Reports Mixed Results

Two people in a hospital room with masks on


A recent report from the American Cancer Society which measures cancer cases and deaths through 2018 showed mixed results. U.S. cancer death rates for men, women and communities of color are falling.  However, obesity and unequal access to care provide a blueprint for a reversal of this trend. Death rates for lung cancer and melanoma improved quite a bit, but recent progress on breast and colon cancer deaths slowed and prostate cancer death rates flattened after years of decline.  “The decrease in smoking is a huge reason,†said Dr. Otis Brawley, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and former chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society.  “Keep in mind it is not just lung cancer, but smoking causes 18 different cancers,†he said.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/07/08/cancer-death-rates-drop-obesity-drive-disease/7880844002/

Salinas, CA Many Nutritionists Recommending Vitamin B12 And Vitamin D3 For Seniors

A farmers market with fresh vegetables and fruits.


There have been debates over whether it is prudent to take just one multivitamin per day versus taking a variety of different vitamins.  Part of it depends on what your diet looks like.  Some believe supplements are not that effective.  “When you take things out of the food matrix and you put a single ingredient into a pill, it doesn’t have the same effect,†Katherine Tucker, director of the Center for Population Health at the University of Massachusetts Lowell told AARP Bulletin (June 2021, page 32).  In regards to B12 and D3, experts say that you can’t get them from plants.  In addition, as we get older, we begin to develop difficulty absorbing them in their natural form.  Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in nerve function.  A shortfall has been associated with depression, dementia, decreased cognitive function and anemia.  If you don’t get out in the sun much, a D3 supplement can be helpful.  It’s needed to maintain a healthy immune system, bones and muscles while protecting us from cognitive decline.  If you have diabetes, with a doctors note you can enroll in diabetes nutrition classes here at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP):

https://www.montagehealth.org/locations/profile/diabetes-nutrition-therapy/

They also publish a monthly schedule in the Monterey Herald with classes on fitness, estate planning, cancer and other subjects.  Many of the classes are free.

Pebble Beach, CA Exercise Is Critical For Those With Early Onset Alzheimer’s

A close up of some blue and yellow cells


We have written repeatedly on our blog about the importance of proper nutrition, social interaction and exercise is key to keeping the mind and body healthy for seniors.  A new study from Arizona State University Edison College of Nursing and Health Innovation had participants either ride a stationary bike or do stretching exercise for six months.  Those who took part in the regular exercise program had significantly less memory loss than those who don’t follow a particular exercise regimen.  The results were published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease. Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

Pacific Grove, CA Elder Abuse Alert Related To Roku Devices

A pile of money sitting next to stacks of cash.


There was a story in USA Today about a woman who fell for the latest scam and lost $190.  While setting up her new Roku device, a message flashed on the TV screen telling her to call an 800 number to activate service.  When she called the 800 number, they offered her a lifetime full service plan for about $190, which she signed up for.  Months later, the person that she had spoke to on the 800 number called her and threatened her if she didn’t give another $190.  At this point she realized it was a scam.  How her smart TV was infiltrated with software having her call scammers remains a mystery.  However, scammers continue to target those on the Monterey Peninsula since areas like Carmel, Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach have a much higher net worth than the average household.  Be on the lookout!

https://www.freep.com/story/money/personal-finance/susan-tompor/2021/03/31/roku-activation-setup-tech-support-scam/6996289002/

Salinas, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available Certified Nursing Assistant CNA Designation A Plus


Salinas, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available Certified Nursing Assistant CNA Designation A Plus (Also Aromas, Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel-by-the-sea, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Corral-de-Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Seaside and Soledad

We have developed a reputation for having the best caregivers (Home Care Aides or Senior Companions) in Monterey County.   We are currently looking for qualified caregivers.

Family inHome Caregiving of Monterey is seeking compassionate, mature and dependable caregivers who want to improve the lives of our elderly Clients by providing in-home, non-medical care.  Our services include:

Caring companionship

Meal preparation

Incidental transportation

Running errands

Light housekeeping

Medication reminders

Monitoring of safety while bathing

Information and referral services

Other services that improve the safety, security and quality of life of seniors.

If you believe you would make an exceptional Home Care Aide, we would love to hear from you!  We prefer those with experience helping the elderly, disabled and others with mobility problems.  Having cared for those with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s is a plus.  To work for us, you must have excellent references, a clear criminal record, a good driving record, and an insured reliable vehicle.  To apply, please visit our website www.fhcofm.com, click on home care aides, then careers where you can fill out an application online.  We have immediate openings all over Monterey County.

Prescription Drug Prices Up Again In 2020

A table with many different types of pills on it.


The increase in price of the brand name drugs most widely used by senior citizens was up 2.9% in 2020.  Although the increase is lower than the last couple of years, it’s still more than double the rate of inflation (currently at 1.3%) and some drugs remain exorbitantly and out of the range of affordability for many seniors.  USA Today recently ran a story on Lynn Carfuto, who has chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a disease which is treatable but with a drug that costs $14K per month.  The drug has seen an 82% price increase since its release in 2013.  She can only afford it due to receiving grants from non-profits.  It’s a very sad case when you have a disease which is treatable but the price is so far out of reach.

 

https://www.pressreader.com/usa/usa-today-us-edition/20210610/282153589220534

Monterey, CA Elder Abuse Alert Related To Roku Devices

A nurse is helping an elderly woman to get out of her wheelchair.


There was a story in USA Today about a woman who fell for the latest scam and lost $190.  While setting up her new Roku device, a message flashed on the TV screen telling her to call an 800 number to activate service.  When she called the 800 number, they offered her a lifetime full service plan for about $190, which she signed up for.  Months later, the person that she had spoke to on the 800 number called her and threatened her if she didn’t give another $190.  At this point she realized it was a scam.  How her smart TV was infiltrated with software having her call scammers remains a mystery.  However, scammers continue to target those on the Monterey Peninsula since areas like Carmel, Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach have a much higher net worth than the average household.  Be on the lookout!

https://www.freep.com/story/money/personal-finance/susan-tompor/2021/03/31/roku-activation-setup-tech-support-scam/6996289002/

Carmel, CA Exercise Is Critical For Those With Early Onset Alzheimer’s

A purple background with the alzheimer 's association logo.


We have written repeatedly on our blog about the importance of proper nutrition, social interaction and exercise is key to keeping the mind and body healthy for seniors.  A new study from Arizona State University Edison College of Nursing and Health Innovation had participants either ride a stationary bike or do stretching exercise for six months.  Those who took part in the regular exercise program had significantly less memory loss than those who don’t follow a particular exercise regimen.  The results were published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease.

President Biden Fires Head Of Social Security Administration

A blue and white logo of the social security administration.


In a rare move, a senior government official, Andrew Saul—the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, was asked to resign by the President of the United States and refused.  As a result, President Biden, after receiving advice from White House Counsel that he could legally remove him, fired him.  Saul had a contract to serve a six-year term expiring in January of 2025 which only allowed for his termination for “neglect of duty†or malfeasance in office.â€Â  However, the Supreme Court recently ruled requiring cause for removal of a federal employee was unconstitutional.  Perhaps preparing for a legal battle with Saul, The White House issued a scathing press release which said, “Since taking office, Commissioner Saul has undermined and politicized Social Security disability benefits, terminated the agency’s telework policy that was utilized by up to 25% of the agency’s workforce, not repaired SSA’s relationships with relevant federal employee unions including in the context of COVID-19 workplace safety planning, reduced due process protections for benefits appeals hearings, and taken other actions that run contrary to the mission of the agency and the president’s policy agenda.â€Â  President Biden also called for the resignation of the agency’s deputy commissioner David Black, who submitted his resignation.  Kilolo Kijakazi, the Social Security Administration’s deputy commissioner for retirement and disability policy, will serve as acting commissioner.

 

https://federalnewsnetwork.com/people/2021/07/biden-fires-saul-as-ssa-commissioner/

Monterey, CA Financial Elder Abuse Hit Record During Pandemic

A pile of money sitting next to stacks of cash.


An FBI report said that Americans were victimized by cybercriminals at a record rate last year, a result of so many people being stuck at home and in front of their consumers.  Total consumer losses to online thieves in 2020 surpassed $4.2 billion, with almost half of that amount lost to those over 50 years old.  Unfortunately, since there is so much wealth in Monterey County—in Carmel, Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach in particular—seniors here are disproportionately targeted.  Be suspicious anytime someone you don’t know calls or emails you. (AARP Bulletin May 21, P6).